Defrosting Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A defrosting apparatus has a foundation unit having a top surface and sidewalls, a water pump, an opening enabling water to pass into the unit, a vertically-oriented conduit extending from the top surface and connected to the water pump, and an upper end, a horizontally-oriented conduit having a first and a second end, connected to the upper end of the vertically-oriented conduit, and a downspout connected at the second end of the horizontally-oriented, conduit, the downspout open at a lower end. Water from outside the foundation unit passes through the opening, is drawn into the inlet of the pump, passed from the outlet of the pump to the lower end of the vertically-oriented conduit, passes upward to the horizontally-oriented telescoping conduit assembly, and thence to the downspout, where the water flows down to be collected outside the foundation unit, available to pass again into the foundation unit through the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Provisional Application 62/625,343, filed Feb. 2, 2018, and the disclosure of the parent application is incorporated in entirety at least by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The instant invention is in the field of apparatus useful for defrosting frozen food items and pertains more particularly to a portable apparatus for re-circulating water over a frozen food item.

2. Description of Related Art

Freezing food is a widespread practice for preserving food, and frozen food items have to be defrosted to be used. Common industry practice for defrosting frozen items include refrigerating at 40 degrees F. or running cold tap water over the frozen item. Both these methods have particular problems. When defrosting items in a refrigerator space that can be allocated for other storage is used. Defrosting food in a refrigerator is also time consuming. It can take up to several days to fully defrost frozen meat.

The practice of running cold tap water over frozen items to thaw is faster than the refrigeration practice but is also subject to specific problems. To safely defrost an item a continuous flow of cold tap water is necessary at or below seventy degrees Fahrenheit to avoid bacterial growth. Defrosting food in this manner is highly inefficient because copious amounts of water are wasted. On average, for every minute that a sink faucet is fully on 2 or more gallons of water may be used. To defrost one pound of meat using the running water method generally takes around one hour. So a great deal of water may be wasted in defrosting one pound of meat.

A culinary kitchen that defrosts with tap water typically uses approximately 17,700 gallons of water a month for defrosting. To comply with food and health regulations the water must be constantly moving and cannot be stagnant. The water also must be maintained at or below 70 F. as mentioned above.

What is clearly needed is a method and apparatus to defrost frozen food items safely and without wasting copious amounts of water.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the invention a defrosting apparatus is provided, comprising a foundation unit having a top surface and sidewalls, housing an electrically-powered water pump with an inlet and an outlet, with an opening enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside, a vertically oriented conduit extending from the top surface of the foundation unit, with a lower end connected to the outlet of the water pump, and an upper end, a horizontally-oriented conduit having a first and a second end, connected proximate the first end to the upper end of the vertically-oriented conduit, and a vertically-oriented downspout connected at the second end of the horizontally-oriented, telescoping conduit assembly, the downspout open at a lower end. Water from outside the foundation unit passes through the opening, is drawn into the inlet of the pump, passed from the outlet of the pump to the lower end of the vertically-oriented conduit, passes upward to the horizontally-oriented conduit, and thence to the downspout, where the water flows out and down to be collected outside the foundation unit, available to pass again into the foundation unit through the opening.

In one embodiment of the apparatus the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly enabling alteration of length from the vertically-oriented conduit. Also in one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a thermometer on the top surface of the foundation unit, displaying water temperature. In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a switch-enabled thermometer with a variable setting, enabling automatic shut-off of the pump at a predetermined temperature. And in one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a visible fill line around the sidewalls of the foundation unit, indicating a desired water depth.

In one embodiment the opening is through the sidewalls below the visible fill line. In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a metal base providing weight to the foundation unit. In one embodiment the horizontally oriented conduit is enabled to rotate in a horizontal plane around a central axis of the vertically-oriented conduit extending upward from the top surface of the foundation unit. In one embodiment the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly, and wherein rotation of the horizontally oriented, telescoping conduit assembly, and translation of the telescoping conduit assembly enables the downspout to be located over any point within an area proscribed by a radius of the maximum length of extension of the telescoping conduit assembly. In one embodiment there are multiple openings enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside. And in one embodiment the downspout is formed by a curvature of ninety degrees in the second end of the horizontally-oriented, conduit assembly.

In another aspect of the invention a system for defrosting is provided, comprising a container for water, having a bottom surface and container sidewalls, water to a specific depth in the container, and a defrosting apparatus, comprising a foundation unit having a top surface and sidewalls, housing an electrically-powered water pump with an inlet and an outlet, with an opening enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside, a vertically oriented conduit extending from the top surface of the foundation unit, with a lower end connected to the outlet of the water pump, and an upper end, a horizontally oriented, conduit assembly having a first and a second end, connected proximate the first end to the upper end of the vertically-oriented conduit, and a vertically-oriented downspout connected at the second end of the horizontally-oriented, conduit assembly, the downspout open at a lower end. The defrosting apparatus is placed on the bottom surface of the container with the opening fully beneath an upper surface of the water, and the pump is operated to re-circulate water from the container through the conduits to the downspout, and water from the downspout is directed over a frozen item to be defrosted.

In one embodiment of the system the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly. In one embodiment the frozen item to be defrosted is placed on the bottom surface of the container away from the foundation unit of the defrosting apparatus, and the vertical and horizontal conduits are adjusted to place the downspout over the frozen item to be defrosted. And in one embodiment the frozen item to be defrosted is placed upon a support holding the frozen item at least partially above the upper surface of the water and below the downspout.

In yet another aspect a defrosting method is provided, comprising placing a defrosting apparatus, having a pump enabled to pump water from a container upward through a conduit assembly and outward to flow downward from a downspout above a surface of the water, on a bottom surface of a container, filling he container with water to a depth indicated on the defrosting apparatus, placing a frozen item to be defrosted on the bottom surface of the container away from the defrosting apparatus, adjusting position of the downspout to be directly over the frozen item to be defrosted, and operating the pump, causing water to be drawn from the container and to be poured over the frozen item, returning to the container, and re-circulated through the pump and conduits until the frozen item is defrosted.

In one embodiment the method further comprises supporting the item to be defrosted on a support at least partially above the surface of the water and below the downspout. And in one embodiment the method further comprises a switch-enabled thermometer that turns the pump off at a pre-determined temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation view of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with elements rotated to a different position.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an apparatus 101 in an embodiment of the present invention, having a foundation unit 101 that has a base 102, a top and sidewalls. In one embodiment the foundation unit is round, as shown, of a diameter of about five to six inches, and has a height of about three inches. Foundation unit 101 houses an electrically-driven water pump 109, with an open inlet and an outlet connected to a vertically-oriented conduit 104. Foundation unit 101 resides in operation in water in an outside enclosure, not shown in FIG. 1. The sidewall of the foundation unit has openings 103 protected with screens that may be positioned at any desirable location in the sidewall. The foundation unit has a water-line 110 to indicate depth of water to be provided in the outside enclosure. In operation pump 109 draws water from inside the foundation unit and urges the water upward through vertical conduit 104, which causes water to be drawn through screened openings 103.

Base 102 in some embodiments is a metal plate of a thickness to add a weight of perhaps a pound or more to the foundation unit. The purpose is to provide sufficient weight that the apparatus, resting on a surface of a large pan, a basin or a sink, to be stable, and not tend to float in the water. Weight might in other embodiments be provided in other ways, such as forming the top and sidewalls of the foundation unit of relatively heavy material with a substantial wall thickness. There are several ways sufficient weight may be provided.

In some embodiment of the invention suction cups 112 may be affixed to the bottom of the foundation unit in a manner that the cups may serve to anchor the foundation unit to a surface upon which the device may be placed. With the use of suction cups, extra weight to keep the unit stable may not be needed.

In this example embodiment vertical conduit 104 connects rotationally with a horizontal conduit 105, which mates, in some embodiments, telescopically with a second horizontal conduit 106. The telescoping engagement enables the overall length of conduits 105 and 106 together to be adjusted. But in some embodiments the horizontal conduit may be a single conduit that is not telescoping. IN the embodiment shown, conduit 106 connects with a downspout 107, which directs water urged by the pump downward over a frozen article not shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 downspout 107 is illustrated as a separate conduit connected to conduit 106. However, in some embodiments, conduit 106 simply curves downward by ninety degrees at the outboard end, such that water coursing through conduit 106 is directed at a right angle downward.

In some embodiments of the invention vertical conduit 104 is rotatable in the top of foundation unit 101. In other embodiments vertical conduit 104 may be rigidly joined to the top of the foundation unit, but horizontal conduit 105 may be rotatable around a vertical axis of vertical conduit 104. In either case the telescoping arrangement of conduits 105 and 106 may be rotated to extend in different directions relative to the position of foundation unit 101. Further, in some embodiments conduit 106 may be rotatable in conduit 105, as well as linearly extensible and retractable. Also, the position of vertical conduit 104 relative to the top of the foundation unit may vary in different embodiments. In one embodiment vertical housing 104 may extend from a central point of the top of the foundation unit.

In operation knowledge of water temperature is important to maximize the defrost effect, so in some embodiments a thermometer 111 is provided on the foundation unit so a user may monitor the water temperature. Also, in some embodiments circuitry is provided with a switch-enabled thermometer to shut off the pump if the water temperature reaches or exceeds a pre-set temperature, such as 70 degrees F., for example.

In some embodiments electrically-driven pump 109 may be powered through an electrical cord from a wall outlet. In some other embodiments the pump may be powered by a battery, or a set of batteries, and in some embodiments the batteries may be rechargeable.

FIG. 2 is a perspective elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with elements rotated to a different position. In this example, the horizontal telescoping conduits have been rotated relative to the foundation unit to point in a different direction. In addition to pointing in a different direction, the horizontal combination of conduits 105 and 106 may be extended or retracted, so it may be seen that the combination of rotation and translation of the horizontal conduits enable positioning of downspout 107 at just about any point within a specific radius of the foundation unit.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in use. In this example apparatus 100 is placed on the bottom of a pan, sink or basin 300, and a frozen item to be thawed 302 is placed on a bench or support 301 of a height that the frozen item is held above the surface of water added to the basin to the height of the visible water line on the foundation basis of apparatus 100. In this example, the purpose of the support bench is to keep the frozen item above the water level so water flowing over the item from apparatus 100 flows more or less uniformly over all the exposed surface of the frozen item. This may maximize the surface area exposed to the flowing water, and enhances the process of thawing by virtue of maximized heat transfer.

In some embodiments the item to be thawed may be placed directly on the bottom of the basin, pan or sink. This is considered by many to be preferable, because there are, in some circumstances, concerns about the item being defrosted being exposed to air while being defrosted. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the position of the downspout may be adjusted to be directly over the item to be thawed. In operation a used will, as one example, place the apparatus of the invention on the floor of a sink, for example, and place a frozen item to be thawed in the sink away from the foundation element. The user may then adjust the position of the downspout to be over the item to be thawed. The frozen item may or may not be placed on a bench support. The user fills the sink to the indicated water line on the foundation element and starts the pump to begin the flow of water. It will be evident to the skilled person that the water is re-circulated, and not wasted, as in the prior art.

Another feature in some embodiments of the invention is construction of the assembly in a fashion that allows quick assembly and dis-assembly, which allows for regular cleaning, and in some cases sterilization.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that an apparatus for thawing according to an embodiment of the invention may take a number of forms and sizes within the breadth of the invention. The foundation element, for example, need not be round as shown in the figures, but may take other shapes. Different makes and models of pumps may be used. There may be one, or more than one opening to admit water to the inside of the foundation element to be available to the pump. Heights and horizontal reach may be different for different models of devices according to embodiments of the invention. The breadth of the invention is only limited by the claims that follow. 

1. A defrosting apparatus, comprising: a foundation unit having a top surface and sidewalls, housing an electrically-powered water pump with an inlet and an outlet, with an opening enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside; a vertically oriented conduit extending from the top surface of the foundation unit, with a lower end connected to the outlet of the water pump, and an upper end; a horizontally-oriented conduit having a first and a second end, connected proximate the first end to the upper end of the vertically-oriented conduit; and a vertically-oriented downspout connected at the second end of the horizontally-oriented, telescoping conduit assembly, the downspout open at a lower end; wherein water from outside the foundation unit passes through the opening, is drawn into the inlet of the pump, passed from the outlet of the pump to the lower end of the vertically-oriented conduit, passes upward to the horizontally-oriented conduit, and thence to the downspout, where the water flows out and down to be collected outside the foundation unit, available to pass again into the foundation unit through the opening.
 2. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly enabling alteration of length from the vertically-oriented conduit.
 3. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a thermometer on the top surface of the foundation unit, displaying water temperature.
 4. The defrosting apparatus of claim 3 comprising a switch-enabled thermometer with a variable setting, enabling automatic shut-off of the pump at a predetermined temperature.
 5. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a visible fill line around the sidewalls of the foundation unit, indicating a desired water depth.
 6. The defrosting apparatus of claim 5 wherein the opening is through the sidewalls below the visible fill line.
 7. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a metal base providing weight to the foundation unit.
 8. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the horizontally oriented conduit is enabled to rotate in a horizontal plane around a central axis of the vertically-oriented conduit extending upward from the top surface of the foundation unit.
 9. The defrosting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly, and wherein rotation of the horizontally oriented, telescoping conduit assembly, and translation of the telescoping conduit assembly enables the downspout to be located over any point within an area proscribed by a radius of the maximum length of extension of the telescoping conduit assembly.
 10. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 comprising multiple openings enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside.
 11. The defrosting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the downspout is formed by a curvature of ninety degrees in the second end of the horizontally-oriented, conduit assembly.
 12. A system for defrosting, comprising: a container for water, having a bottom surface and container sidewalls; water to a specific depth in the container; and a defrosting apparatus, comprising a foundation unit having a top surface and sidewalls, housing an electrically-powered water pump with an inlet and an outlet, with an opening enabling water to pass from outside the foundation unit to inside, a vertically oriented conduit extending from the top surface of the foundation unit, with a lower end connected to the outlet of the water pump, and an upper end, a horizontally oriented, conduit assembly having a first and a second end, connected proximate the first end to the upper end of the vertically-oriented conduit, and a vertically-oriented downspout connected at the second end of the horizontally-oriented, conduit assembly, the downspout open at a lower end; wherein the defrosting apparatus is placed on the bottom surface of the container with the opening fully beneath an upper surface of the water, and the pump is operated to re-circulate water from the container through the conduits to the downspout, and water from the downspout is directed over a frozen item to be defrosted.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the horizontally-oriented conduit is a telescoping assembly.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the frozen item to be defrosted is placed on the bottom surface of the container away from the foundation unit of the defrosting apparatus, and the vertical and horizontal conduits are adjusted to place the downspout over the frozen item to be defrosted.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein the frozen item to be defrosted is placed upon a support holding the frozen item at least partially above the upper surface of the water and below the downspout.
 16. A defrosting method, comprising: placing a defrosting apparatus, having a pump enabled to pump water from a container upward through a conduit assembly and outward to flow downward from a downspout above a surface of the water, on a bottom surface of a container; filling he container with water to a depth indicated on the defrosting apparatus; placing a frozen item to be defrosted on the bottom surface of the container away from the defrosting apparatus; adjusting position of the downspout to be directly over the frozen item to be defrosted; and operating the pump, causing water to be drawn from the container and to be poured over the frozen item, returning to the container, and re-circulated through the pump and conduits until the frozen item is defrosted.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising supporting the item to be defrosted on a support at least partially above the surface of the water and below the downspout.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising a switch-enabled thermometer enabling the pump to be turned off at a pre-determined temperature. 